176: Unmasking Movement Potential Through Movement Discovery With Dr. Beth Fisher, PhD, PT, FAPTA
Aug 28, 2023
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Physical therapist Dr. Beth Fisher talks about movement analysis in neuro therapy, emphasizing understanding movement patterns and implicit choices. She discusses how correcting dysfunctional movement patterns can lead to better outcomes. The podcast covers the importance of movement analysis, treating hip pain by adjusting movement patterns, and enhancing movement patterns in stroke patients through external cues and enhanced expectancies.
Movement analysis uncovers implicit movement choices impacting patient functionality.
Challenging expectations and fostering patient confidence enhance therapeutic outcomes.
Deep dives
The Importance of Movement Analysis in Neurotherapists
Movement analysis is a fundamental skill for neurotherapists and all physical therapists. By observing movement patterns, therapists can identify subtle issues that may not be apparent otherwise. Understanding movement goes beyond traditional diagnoses like strength or spasticity, helping to uncover implicit movement choices. Emphasizing movement analysis allows therapists to intervene effectively and enhance patient outcomes.
The Significance of Biomechanical Constraints in Movement
Peeling off layers of biomechanical constraints can reveal a patient's true movement potential. Therapists should focus on biomechanical factors rather than solely attributing movement issues to neuropathology. By taking a movement analysis approach, therapists can address movement choices and implicit patterns that impact patient functionality. Creating a safe environment for patients to explore movement beyond known limitations can lead to enhanced outcomes.
Challenging Expectations and Building Patient Confidence
Challenging expectations and fostering patient confidence are essential in therapeutic outcomes. Believing in a patient's higher capability can encourage them to exceed perceived limitations. Using external cues, like experiencing movement constraints firsthand, can aid therapists in understanding patient challenges and providing effective interventions. Encouraging patients to explore movements outside their comfort zones can lead to discovery and improved functional abilities.
Enhancing Patient Potential Through Movement Discovery
Unlocking patient potential through movement discovery can revolutionize therapeutic approaches. Mimicking patient movements can provide valuable insights into movement constraints and biomechanical patterns. By exploring movement choices and implicit decisions, therapists can guide patients towards optimal movement strategies. Emphasizing movement analysis and challenging preconceived limitations can lead to transformative outcomes in patient care.
Dr. Beth Fisher, PhD, PT, FAPTA joins us on the show again to talk about something that has been the impetus of her career: movement analysis. As rehab professionals sometimes we can overcomplicate movement impairments thinking it is always due to pathology and overlook the simpler underlying cause, namely implicit choice. Do people with neurologic conditions move a certain way because they must or because they (unknowingly) choose to? How do you decide? What if you could correct dysfunctional movement patterns you thought were due to the injury with a shift in perspective? If the ultimate goal for all of us is to help our patients and clients achieve greater success, it will pay off to listen to what Dr. Fisher has to share!
Listen to our the past episode with Dr. Fisher, #158